Larkin Brigade @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Boston, MA

Background/Composition: Driven by a piano and blistering fiddle playing, The Larkin Brigade are jig-inducing rebel music that borrows much from The Pogues and good ol' UK punk.

Grade: 76

Comment:Featuring undeniably solid musicianship, Larkin Brigade have developed a solid beer-swiggin', foot-stompin' sound best heard in a pub. An Irish folk band with a message, the Brigade sometimes let their sound repeat itself, songs melding together into one giant patchwork of drunken jigging.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G 
Pronounciation: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: S
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: When the Larkin Brigade took the stage, they owned it, confidently filling the space and hammering out the music that is so obviously a part of their every day lives. The music is an attitude, to understand is to enjoy.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: There's a definite appeal for punk rockers and some older Irish men who would undoubtedly raise a pint of Guiness to the boys for their efforts. They're tackling right-wing agendas from a left-leaning position, and everyone could do with a little of that old time Irish folk now and then.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: There was at least one song that stood out above the usual local downtown Irish pub fare. With more of that, the Brigade could push themselves further and reach a wider audience.